Before Sunset 2004

Nine years after their fateful meeting in Vienna, Jesse has achieved success as an author with his bestseller, This Time, reflecting on their shared moments. During a promotional tour across Europe, he finds himself at Shakespeare and Company, where a trio of journalists engages him in thought-provoking interviews. One journalist believes the characters from his novel will reunite, another remains skeptical, while the last expresses a hope for that reunion, albeit with doubt. Meanwhile, Céline is also present at the reading.

With only an hour before Jesse must leave for the airport, the two seize the opportunity to explore the enchanting streets of Paris. As they wander, their discussions dive into the depths of their personal lives, tackling topics like work, politics, and their mutual regret over not reconnecting in Vienna or having exchanged contact information. Céline reveals that she stayed away due to her grandmother’s passing, and to Jesse’s surprise, he admits that he, too, returned home without seeing her.

In their heartfelt exchanges, they uncover the changes the past nine years have brought: Jesse is now married and has a son named Hank, while Céline has become an environmental advocate and is in a relationship with a photojournalist. As they stroll through the city, the spark of their old romance begins to reignite. Jesse confesses that his novel was fueled by the dream of reconnecting with Céline, while she shares that it has stirred up bittersweet memories for her. They recognize that their time together years ago significantly shaped their views on love, leaving them both discontented—Céline struggles with relationships, and Jesse grapples with a crumbling marriage.

Eventually, they arrive at Céline’s apartment, despite her insistence that he shouldn’t miss his flight. Jesse gently convinces her to play a waltz on her guitar, a piece she composed about their unforgettable encounter in Vienna. As Jesse sets Nina Simone’s “Just in Time” to play on the stereo, Céline gracefully dances, with Jesse watching, fully aware that he might just miss his chance to leave.